Doraemon Joins the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025

On December 23, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry announced the second phase of exhibits for the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, set to open on April 13, 2025. Iconic Japanese character Doraemon will take on the role of guide in the pavilion's "Factory Area," which highlights the nation’s unique approach to "monozukuri" (craftsmanship).

Theme of the Japan Pavilion

The Japan Pavilion reflects the Expo’s overarching theme of "Designing Future Societies for Our Lives", with its own subtheme, "Between Life and Lives." Visitors will explore Japan's cultural concept of circulation, which emphasizes humanity’s interconnectedness with all forms of life and our role as part of Earth’s grand cycle.

Highlights of the Second Exhibit: The Factory Area

Following the "Farm Area," which focused on algae’s potential, the second exhibit shifts the theme from "materials" to "objects" and showcases sustainable, circular monozukuri.

Guided by Doraemon: As the area’s guide, Doraemon will explain concepts of sustainability, the spirit of crafting long-lasting, repairable items, and the importance of passing these ideals to future generations.

Innovative Approaches: The exhibit explores the concept of "soft crafting", contrasting traditional and cutting-edge techniques. Instead of creating "unbreakable" objects, it highlights designs that intentionally break to absorb impact, such as:

Nagarebashi (Flowing Bridge): A wooden bridge in Kyoto designed to float away during floods to reduce structural stress.
SLIM Lunar Lander: JAXA’s innovative landing craft, whose legs absorb impact through partial breakage.

These ideas echo the 1,300-year-old tradition of "Shikinen Sengu" at Ise Jingu Shrine, where sacred buildings are rebuilt every 20 years, embodying the Japanese philosophy of “Tokowaka” (everlasting renewal).

Participating Organizations

The exhibition features contributions from:

Kyoto Prefecture
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Jingu Administration Office
Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.
Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. / Nikken Sekkei Ltd.
Toray Industries, Inc.
Nagase ChemteX Corporation
Molten Corporation

Source : ORICON NEWS